Welcome Visitor. First time here? Like what you see? Bookmark us for when you are bored, and check out 'top shots' and 'fantastic (editors choice)' in the menu above, you won't be dissapointed. Join our community! click here to sign up for an account today. Sick of this message? Get rid of it by logging-in here.



Two stations in one!!  Not seen very often. This image from back in early 1980 shows the original Great Western Station, built @1855, in behind the classic Grimsby CN station that was constructed in 1902. The GWR station, one of the oldest in Canada, now is home to Forks Road Pottery, and has been under restoration by the owners for some years now. Prior to that, the building was utilized as a fruit storage area, track leading to the building was only removed just before this photo was taken. Out front on what is the current CN Grimsby sub once stood this highly photogenic building, which was the pride of town until its demise in a disastrous electric fire on the last day of 1994.
In this photo we see the station just at the beginning of its' life anew as the cornerstone of a planned "Village Depot", (1979-1994) a sort of trackside plaza. "Keystone Kelly's" became the restaurant of note that occupied the close end, and a 'Rockin' Robin' banner was displayed upstairs on a turret signifying the DJ entertainment that was the highlight of the weekends. A row of rail cars to be used as commercial establishments was situated on the west end of the building, just visible in this photo is a caboose in prep. When the station burned, an old boarding car was in place there. Other cars, representing failed ventures over the years had been taken out. Half wood barrels with colourful flower displays in season added to the charm. It was an interesting adventure, but perhaps a little before its' time. The idea of historical districts and folksy neighbourhoods had not quite caught on yet. I remember buying ice cream and hot dogs there, and do possess souvenir salt/peppers with the station logo on them, so there was a snack bar and gift shop among other things.
Now, there is a mostly disused modern VIA kiosk where the flagpole and evergreens were. VIA spent the big bucks to put up one of those huge VIA signs, and then discontinued service. Figures. All there is now is the daily AMTK Toronto to New York City and return. However, all-year GO will become part of the scene soon, currently it is just running to the Falls in summer. But it won't stop at this location. A new station will be built a couple miles west of here at Casablanca Blvd, as far as I know.
Copyright Notice: This image ©A.W.Mooney all rights reserved.



Caption: Two stations in one!! Not seen very often. This image from back in early 1980 shows the original Great Western Station, built @1855, in behind the classic Grimsby CN station that was constructed in 1902. The GWR station, one of the oldest in Canada, now is home to Forks Road Pottery, and has been under restoration by the owners for some years now. Prior to that, the building was utilized as a fruit storage area, track leading to the building was only removed just before this photo was taken. Out front on what is the current CN Grimsby sub once stood this highly photogenic building, which was the pride of town until its demise in a disastrous electric fire on the last day of 1994. In this photo we see the station just at the beginning of its' life anew as the cornerstone of a planned "Village Depot", (1979-1994) a sort of trackside plaza. "Keystone Kelly's" became the restaurant of note that occupied the close end, and a 'Rockin' Robin' banner was displayed upstairs on a turret signifying the DJ entertainment that was the highlight of the weekends. A row of rail cars to be used as commercial establishments was situated on the west end of the building, just visible in this photo is a caboose in prep. When the station burned, an old boarding car was in place there. Other cars, representing failed ventures over the years had been taken out. Half wood barrels with colourful flower displays in season added to the charm. It was an interesting adventure, but perhaps a little before its' time. The idea of historical districts and folksy neighbourhoods had not quite caught on yet. I remember buying ice cream and hot dogs there, and do possess souvenir salt/peppers with the station logo on them, so there was a snack bar and gift shop among other things. Now, there is a mostly disused modern VIA kiosk where the flagpole and evergreens were. VIA spent the big bucks to put up one of those huge VIA signs, and then discontinued service. Figures. All there is now is the daily AMTK Toronto to New York City and return. However, all-year GO will become part of the scene soon, currently it is just running to the Falls in summer. But it won't stop at this location. A new station will be built a couple miles west of here at Casablanca Blvd, as far as I know.

Photographer:
A.W.Mooney [2133] (more) (contact)
Date: 03/22/1980 (search)
Railway: Canadian National (search)
Reporting Marks: n/a (search)
Train Symbol: nil (search)
Subdivision/SNS: CN Grimsby Sub. (search)
City/Town: Grimsby (search)
Province: Ontario (search)
Share Link: http://www.railpictures.ca/?attachment_id=28984
Click here to Log-in or Register and add your vote.

17 Favourites
Photographers like Gold.Log-in or Register to show appreciation
View count: 3061 Views

Share this image on Facebook, Twitter or email using the icons below
Photo ID: 27817

Map courtesy of Open Street Map

Full size | Suncalc
Note: Read why maps changed. Suncalc.net for reference only.

All comments must be positive in nature and abide by site rules. Anything else may be removed without warning.

One Comment
  1. Such a shame it is gone :(
    Such a beautiful station.

Railpictures.ca © 2006-2023 all rights reserved. Photographs are copyright of the photographer and used with permission
Terms and conditions | About us